Ali Fazal comes full circle: From Joy Lobo in 3 Idiots to lead musician in Metro... In Dino

Ali Fazal, known for his wide-ranging performances in Indian and international cinema, is set to return to his musical roots with his upcoming film Metro... In Dino, directed by Anurag Basu. The film, a spiritual successor to Basu’s acclaimed Life in a... Metro (2007). Fazal plays Akash, a musician navigating life and relationships in the chaos of urban India. This marks a nostalgic return for the actor, who began his Bollywood journey with a brief but memorable role as Joy Lobo, the guitar-playing student in 3 Idiots (2009).Reflecting on the symmetry in his career, Fazal shared, “It feels like life has come full circle. Joy Lobo was my first break and now, years later, I get to play another musician—this time as a leading man.

It’s a beautiful, poetic return.”Over the years, Fazal has built a diverse portfolio—from historical dramas like Victoria & Abdul to gritty series like Mirzapur. Yet, he describes this role as “deeply personal,” crediting Basu for creating an emotionally rich world. He also praised co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh and called the collaboration “rewarding.”With an ensemble cast and Basu’s signature storytelling, Metro... In Dino promises to be a soulful exploration of modern relationships. For Fazal, it’s more than just a role—it’s a reminder that “no matter where life takes you, the music never really stops.”